India is at a critical crossroads: a future of vibrant marine ecosystems or barren, silent seas. As we approach World Oceans Day (June 8) with its urgent call to action under the theme ‘Sustainable Fishing Means More,’ the time for decisive change is now. Sustainable fishing is not just a choice but a necessity for preserving biodiversity; it ensures food security, bolsters economic resilience, and safeguards the well-being of coastal communities.
The demand for seafood continues to rise, driven by population growth and economic pressures, pushing global fish stocks to collapse. About 90% of the world’s fish stocks are fully exploited, overexploited, or depleted (FAO, 2018).
With the 2025 UN Ocean Conference approaching, our marine policies need urgent reform. The 7,517 km coastline and 1,382 islands support a fisheries sector that sustains over 4 million fisher and coastal communities (Ganesan, 2022), yet face mounting ecological and socio-economic challenges.
Global Crisis & Paradigm Shift
World Oceans Day was first proposed during the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio and formally designated by the UN in 2008. It reminds us of the ocean’s central role in sustaining life on Earth. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), it has grown into a global movement driven by science, bringing people together to shape policies, raise awareness, and protect marine life—tackling challenges like plastic waste and the destruction of natural habitats.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, the globally recognised standard, promotes sustainable fishing practices and contributes to restoring fish populations. It requires fisheries to demonstrate that they are fishing at sustainable levels, which involves maintaining fish stocks at or above levels that can produce the maximum sustainable yield.
India’s Blue Economy
As part of the Blue Economy Vision 2030, integrating sustainable aquaculture and marine tourism in our coastal regions offers significant economic and environmental benefits. This synergy can enhance local livelihoods, promote biodiversity, and foster sustainable practices that protect marine ecosystems. We can make significant strides towards biodiversity and global ecological health by leveraging advanced technologies to enhance our understanding and conservation of deep-sea environments.
A case of grassroots success is the mangrove conservation efforts led by Kerala’s “mangrove man,” T.P. Murukesan. These efforts have significantly enhanced local fisheries and marine biodiversity. Their conservation supports fish populations and contributes to the overall health of marine biodiversity.
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a substantial threat to marine ecosystems, food security, and economic stability. Practical strategies to prevent and combat IUU fishing involve a combination of legal, technological, and cooperative measures. These strategies aim to enhance monitoring, control, and enforcement while addressing the socio-economic factors that drive illegal fishing.
IUU fishing undermines livelihoods and food security in coastal communities, including Goa, by depleting fish stocks, leading to unemployment among traditional fishers and compromising access to essential marine resources (Krishnan & Narayanan, n.d.).
However, the endeavour faces several policy gaps, including delays in ratifying treaties critical to high-seas governance. The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement (High Seas Treaty) is the international agreement that aims to conserve and sustainably manage marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, specifically the high seas.
Global Lessons, Local Applications
The European Union has pledged €3.5 billion to fund ocean sustainability and support actions like sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and ocean research. This investment aligns with the goals of the BBNJ Agreement, which establishes procedures for creating large-scale marine protected areas in the high seas.
Another case study is Kenya’s circular economy model, where beach clean-ups fund recycling and community livelihoods. Studies highlight how coastal programmes, such as those in Watamu, engage local communities in collecting and repurposing plastic waste into marketable products, reducing environmental degradation while generating income (Hombergen, 2024).
Consumers hold significant power to drive sustainability. MSC certification and traceability tools enhance transparency and responsibility in seafood markets, covering 15% of the global catch and 20,000+ products (Marilia de Melo et al., 2024).
Policy Reforms for Ocean Stewardship
India’s seas are not just a source of life but a legacy we entrust to future generations. As we mark World Oceans Day, it is time to translate this stewardship into bold, tangible reforms.
First, India must formally ratify the BBNJ Agreement before the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. This treaty is a shared promise to protect the high seas—Earth’s final marine wilderness. India can advocate for fair global ocean governance while uplifting the voices of developing nations. A significant policy gap in our marine governance could be filled. It is not just policy; it is safeguarding tomorrow.
Second, we must expand our Marine Protected Areas. Barely 0.3% of India’s waters are shielded (World Bank, 2024), far too little to heal our fisheries, coral reefs, or mangroves. By increasing the coverage, we can create thriving ecosystems and secure the livelihoods of coastal communities, demonstrating the significant benefits of this policy reform.
Our ancestors revered the ocean as Samudra Devta, a deity to cherish, not plunder. Let us honour that wisdom. It means proving that a nation of 1.4 billion can balance progress and stewardship. It means whispering to the next generation, as waves lap at their feet, “We chose wisely.”
